A few years ago, we planted hazel saplings in Grove Farm. Around ten have successfully established and are now growing into young trees — but they’re still vulnerable. Brambles can quickly climb over them, bending and shading out the young trees. At the same time however, dense bramble growth can act like a natural shield, helping to protect the soil and roots from heat and drying out as our climate warms. To strike the right balance, we cut the brambles back from the hazels and reused the cuttings as a rough mulch around their bases, helping to protect the roots, keep moisture in, and give the trees space to grow.

The volunteers including runners, walkers got straight to work armed with loppers, saws, rakes, and plenty of determination clearing brambles, nettles, and competing scrub. Carefully freeing hazel saplings and building protective piles around their bases, the team also kept a watchful eye out for wildlife such as slow worms and bird’s nests.

It was a proper workout with a purpose: scratched legs, clear paths, and a big win for biodiversity and woodland management.

Huge thanks to Danny, Kat, Sevan, Kash, Thaiza, Shubham, Ash, Christos, Steph and Portia.

After the work

Before the work